Summary
G.I. Joeis back in comics in a big way thanks to Skybound’s Energon Universe, but the franchise’s previous publisher is getting back into the military action/adventure game, albeit with a twist. Devil’s Due is getting ready to launch a crowdfunding campaign forThe Disavowed, “the ultimate ’80s task force” who disappeared in the ’00s and who find themselves called back into action to deal with a threat from their past.
Launching onBackerkiton August 20,The Disavowedcomes from the creative team of Devil’s Due founder Josh Blaylock andSpyboyartist Pop Mhan. “Once they were America’s #1 secret task force,” reads the launch page, “Beloved in the ‘80s. Revered in the ‘00s. Today they are only The Disavowed, and the powers-that-be will do anything to stop them.”
The launch page goes on to describe the series as “G.I. JoemeetsThe Boys,” hinting that the new series will have a harder edge than a certain group of Real American Heroes.Telling the story of the legendary strike team the United Five,The Disavowedwill bring those heroes out of retirement to deal with the cult-like terrorist organization Komodo.
Who is G.I. Joe’s New Mystery Character? Possible Theories Explained
G.I. Joe #1 launches in November, and one character from the issue’s cover has caused a great deal of speculation among the franchise’s fandom.
The Disavowedis a New Take on Military Action from the ’80’s
Devil’s Due was the publisher that brought theG.I. Joefranchiseback to comics after a long hiatus.Its relaunchedG.I. Joecomic was an instant success, jumping to the top of the sales charts in 2001 and leading to a wave of relaunched ’80s titles such asTransformers,ThundercatsandBattle of the Planets. Devil’s Due held onto the license until 2008, putting out a boatload of comics until IDW took over as the licensee. Of course,G.I. Joecomics now come out through Skybound’smassively-successful Energon Universe line.
The set-up sounds awfully familiar to the publisher’s previous licensed title, and should excite fans who remember the days of Devil’s Due’sG.I. Joerelaunch:
“The United Five-The worst kept government secret of the 1980s and subject of rampant ‘90s internet lore, the U-Five were formed to stop the esoteric cult-turned-terrorist organization, Komodo, which claimed to harness knowledge from another realm that could threaten the world. In 1989, United Five’s mission was accomplished (at least for a while), but not before many, including Curtis Howzer (Codename: Dane [The Great]), gave their lives. Now, Curtis' son Matthew Howzer is determined to uncover the truth about his father’s death and the United Five organization. His obsession leads him to pursue a military career that unveils the true story behind the conspiracy theories, uncovering a story that was far more fantastical, debauched, and brutal than anyone could have believed.”
“Fantastical, Debauched and Brutal”:The Disavowedis Pulling No Punches
Sharp-eyed fans should be able to recognize stand-ins for Duke, Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander,Destro and many othersin the promo art released for the series, but hopefully,The Disavowedwill have a unique spin on this new world to distinguish it from being mere fan-fiction. The idea of a legendary team of heroes from the 1980s coming back to deal with an old threat is a novel one, and the son of that team’s leader picking up the baton in the present day should make for an engaging story.The Disavowed’s promise of a harder-edged story than that typically seen inG.I. Joeshould be an enticing tease for long-time fans.
